February 23, 2016

I go through what I call "stages" which chiefly revolve around decorating or fashion. Right now I'm in my fashion "stage". I've lost about 20 pounds during the last year which necessitated a new wardrobe (yay!). However, I usually stay true to the style I'm most comfortable with....casual but classic.

I'm not sure how I found out about Mandy and her Instagram page but boy, am I glad I did! She's one stylish lady that has given me a lot of inspiration about putting outfits together and even branching out beyond my normal comfort zone to try other things.

I just love her hair too! In fact, I recently changed my hairstyle (it was time too) and it's similar to hers, just not quite as short. Since I had my hair cut in a similar style (just last Friday) I get compliments everywhere I go! In fact, on my way home the day I had it cut, the toll booth guy said "darlin', I love your hair"! The next day at a restaurant, the waitress took out her phone to take a picture of it! But I digress......

Based out of Davenport, Iowa Mandy is a wardrobe stylist who helps women organize their closets. She can help you weed out unwanted and unused clothing and accessories, take you shopping to buy needed items and style you so you look your best using things you have!

Look how she takes a simple classic black jumpsuit to get all these different looks. You could also do this with a black dress or black top and pants. I have styled black on black with a denim jacket and zebra scarf like Mandy and love this look!

This is one of my favorite go-to outfits....so simple yet looks fabulous! And check out the red purse!

I'd love to find a denim tunic to wear with my black leggings....throw on a scarf and it takes it up a notch.

Does it get any classier than a great white shirt and jeans?

I'm looking for a black denim vest to get this look....add some silver jewelry and you can go anywhere

I've featured the above outfits as they represent how I usually dress so I was happy to see I have a little fashion sense! I love having simple, classic pieces that you can pair with accessories for completely different looks.

I recently had a chance to ask Mandy a few questions and wanted to share with you a little about her.

1. When you can't think of anything to wear, what's your go to outfit?

As of right now, I would say it's a pair of distressed slim boyfriend jeans, a pair of heels or booties, a long sweater/jacket/vest layered over a basic t-shirt or tank. I also throw on a long necklace or scarf to balance it all out.

2. What's the one wardrobe essential you can't live without?

A structured blazer! Love, love love!! A fitted blazer just looks so polished and put together. I love pairing my blazers with boyfriend or flare jeans.

3. What would you say is your favorite fashion piece at the moment?

That's a tough one. I have so many right now! If I had to pick one, it would be my long black leather vest from Vince. It's a fabulous layering piece and adds interest to any outfit!

4. Where do you get your fashion inspiration?

Being from the Midwest, I have always drawn inspiration from magazines and looks I have seen on television. However, one of my favorite hobbies is to go shopping! Not always to purchase items, but to see what the latest trends are. This would be my main source of inspiration! Of course social media too....Instagram!!

5. Have you always been interested in fashion?

Yes! Growing up in a small town in Iowa, my exposure to fashion was limited to say the least. Despite this, I was particular about how I looked even from a very early age. Fashion magazines and television were my resources as I found my personal style. I learned to put together stylish outfits by using the clothes and accessories that I had, taught myself how to do my makeup, and even cut off my long hair myself to prepare for the new school year!

6. Where do you live and tell a little about yourself.

I live in the Quad Cities, which is on the Iowa/Illinois border and my business is located in Davenport, Iowa. We have all heard the expression, "If you love what you are doing, you never work a day in your life!" This certainly has become true for me as I have decided to turn my love of fashion and great style into a business. My name is Mandy Wiebenga, and I am the founder and owner of Fashion Unfolded by Mandy. My husband and I have been married 21 years and we own a landscaping company in the Quad Cities along with some rental property.I enjoy traveling, shopping, working out and entertaining friends and family!
I appreciate Mandy sharing a little about herself with me. My only complaint is she doesn't live close enough for me to get some help with my wardrobe! Maybe one day she can do some kind of Skype or come into our homes via computer to help!

I love Mandy's choices and her total look-of course she is probably 10-15 yrs younger than I am and she is beautiful. If my hair were that short, it would make me look so older with all my sagging skin. Thanks for sharing!Hugs,Noreen

Congratulations on the weight loss! I do know that is a wonderful thing! I love all of these outfits!! They are awesome! When I was working in the corporate world, I used to be able to purchase clothes and always stay "in style". Now, I struggle with finding just the right thing to wear and hate to purchase clothing! Thanks for this post and I will check her out! Hugs!!

About Me

I'm a Southern girl who loves my family and home. Born and raised in the Deep South, I have a great respect for our heritage and try in my own little way to keep the Southern lifestyle alive and well! I'm happily married to a wonderful man and we have two grown children and four grandchildren who are the love of our lives! I hope you enjoy your visit to my Southern home and as we say here in Dixie, ya'll come back now, ya hea!